Tony Judt was one of my favorite historians. He died August 6, 2010 from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) also known as “Lou Gehrig’s Disease.” In his final year of life, Judt worked feverishly on this book: Ill Fares the Land, which is his final statement about Life. Judt says we are becoming more selfish and isolated from one another. The Right is attacking Social Security and unemployment benefits while playing the “immigrant card” to garner votes. Judt argues persuasively that only government can address large problems like global warming and energy shortages. This slim book holds plenty of wisdom. I also recommend Tony Judt’s masterpieces: Postwar: A History of Europe Since 1945 and Reappraisals: Reflections on the Forgotten Twentieth Century. GRADE: A
When I hear people say we can take care of these things I privately, I translate that to mean they don’t care if they are addressed at all since it doesn’t affect them. When they do support them (like Nancy Reagan with programs for the elderly) it’s because they have become a victim.
I agree, Patti. When “everybody” owns something, nobody really owns it. Look at all the problems we’re having dealing with global warming and the degrading of the environment. These are obvious problems (look at the floods in Pakistan and the fires in Russia) yet very little is being done. That’s why Tony Judt argued we need to build a sense of community to attack these global problems.
What I hate most is the hypocrisy. Republicans want government OUT of our lives and businesses unless it’s something they don’t approve of – then they want the government to step in and do something to ban it.
I’m sure you won’t have a problem making your own list that applies so I won’t put mine here.
My favorite is that the Republicans want “deficit reduction” but also want the Bush tax cuts for the rich continued, Jeff. Hypocrisy indeed!
One big problem is that the people who run the government, members of Congress, don’t care about the government or the well being of the people or the country, they only care about themselves. To them, “How do I get re-elected?” is more important than “Am I making things better for the public at large?”
Our currently elected representatives find themselves caught in a system of money and power, Rick. Corruption, deals, and vote-trading skew our democratic processes. It’s more than just an individual politician problem, it’s a broken system problem, too. That’s what worried Tony Judt during his last days.
I am from Austria and, I agree with Tony Judt.
We have been wasting time and patience in the past decade with politicians, managers, lobbist, war mongers who keep on destroying the normal social life of hundreds of millions.
This world management ist absolutely sick and selfish. What about our kids and grandkids?
Also, I ask myself, why always the good guys must suffer and die way too early.
What a loss!
Many share your views, Allexia. Before he died, Tony Judt wanted to document the degradation of the planet and suggested what we can do about it.